Peterson Returns to New Role at Lindsborg Community Hospital

"Coming home" is never the same. It certainly isn't for Karna Peterson.

Peterson has returned to Lindsborg Community Hospital as the Manager for the Family Health Care Clinic. It is a new role for Peterson, but there is little doubt her passion for local healthcare and the Lindsborg Community Hospital organization has not waned, commenting: "I am extremely excited to return to Lindsborg Community Hospital and especially to join the Family Health Care Clinic staff. Even when my kids were young, my family has always used the clinic for our healthcare, and I want everyone to know how great local healthcare can be!"

There have been many changes since Karna left Lindsborg Community Hospital two years as the dietary director to take on the challenge as an account manager specializing in health care accounts for a food distribution services. She traveled extensively across Kansas, and enjoyed the experience, but when the position of Clinic manager became available, she knew immediately she was ready to 'come home'.

Since August of 2012, the affiliation with Salina Regional Health Center became official. The clinical integration of electronic medical records between Salina and Lindsborg, is just one of the major technological changes. From the introduction of automated medication dispensing and voice recognition dictation for automated transcription to on-line applications for nearly every process formerly done manually, the changes don't end with technology. Since August of 2012, four new, permanent, medical providers has brought the clinic full circle.

A graduate of Kansas State University with a BS in Dietetics, Peterson earned a Master's Degree in Public Health from the University of Minnesota. Her role of Registered and Licensed Dietician for twenty five years will take the back seat as she moves ahead in a leadership role for the Family Health Care Clinic. Hospital Administrator Larry Van Der Wege says "We are excited to have Karna Peterson back at LCH as one of our managers. The Family Health Care Clinic continues to explore ways to improve care and service to people in the Smoky Valley. With the excellent providers and staff, along with Karna's leadership, our future looks bright."

Karna has remained active in Lindsborg and Smoky Valley activities-on the USD 400 Board of Education, and until recently, as the Fiddle Director for the Lindsborg Swedish Folk Dancers. She and husband Erik are parents to three sons, Elias, August and Seth.

"There are some new faces and names but the commitment to quality remains. Watch for some of our community events this summer where you can meet our new doctor's and other providers if you haven't already. We hope to see you soon!"